You are here

Purchasing Renewable Power at Federal Facilities

Federal agencies can purchase renewable power or renewable energy certificates (RECs) from a utility or other organization to meet federal renewable energy requirements. Renewable power and RECs are good choices for facilities where on-site projects may be difficult or capital budgets are limited.

There are three methods for purchasing renewable energy that is not generated on a federal site:

Competitive renewable power: In states with competitive electricity markets, federal agencies can purchase renewable power through competitive electricity procurements. The Green Power Network website shows states that have competitive renewable energy product offerings.

Regulated utility green pricing programs: Green pricing is an optional utility service that allows customers to support a higher level of utility company investment in renewable energy technologies. Participating customers pay a premium on their electricity bills to cover the incremental cost of the additional renewable energy. To find out if your utility has a green pricing program, consult the Green Power Network's Green Pricing Web page.

Renewable energy certificates: Also known as renewable energy credits, green certificates, green tags, or tradable renewable certificates, RECs represent the environmental attributes of the power produced from renewable energy projects and are sold separately from commodity electricity. RECs are attractive for federal facilities located where renewable power is not readily available. Learn more about RECs from EERE's Green Power Network, or find guidance, including information about RECs, in the Renewable Energy Requirement Guidance for EPAct 2005 and Executive Order 13423.